DAVIS, CALIF., January 23, 2017…Drought, climate change and a spate of Pacific Coast wildfires have heightened concerns about the impact of smoke on winegrapes and wine. To address this growing concern, the American Society for Enology and Viticulture’s (ASEV) has reached out to international smoke taint experts, researchers and scientists to discuss this challenge as part of its National Conference in Bellevue, Washington, this summer.

When wildfires happen, the smoke can travel for miles and might last for days. Speakers at the ASEV National Conference will discuss when winegrapes are most susceptible to smoke taint, how it affects wines, varietal susceptibility, exposure levels and strategies to mitigate potential smoke taint.

With its propensity for wildfires, Australia has been on the forefront of studying smoke taint and its effects for more than a decade. ASEV has invited speaker Mark Krstic of the Australian Wine Institute to give the Keynote Presentation on this issue, and an Outreach Seminar will expand on smoke taint from different perspectives, including vineyard, winery and sensory.

“We’re fortunate to bring in speakers with experience and prevention strategies for an issue relatively new to the West Coast,” says Jim Harbertson of Washington State University, Tri-Cities, and ASEV’s First Vice President/Interim Technical Program Director. “We have an excellent opportunity to get ahead of a potential problem with support of quality research from our colleagues on the other side of the world.”

The ASEV National Conference is a platform for technical exchange that is vital to the wine and grape industry. With presentations ranging from high-level scientific research to practical application of existing science, the three-day conference works to meet the needs of vineyard and winery employees at multiple levels. In addition to its emphasis on smoke taint, event highlights for the 2017 ASEV National Conference include:

• Wine Oxidation Chemistry Symposium
• Merit Award Presentation: Dr. Andrew Walker, University of California, Davis
• Extension Distinction Award Presentation: Mr. Larry Bettiga, University of California Cooperative Extension, Monterey County
• Honorary Research Lecturer
• Industry Seminars (color, fungicide resistance and the influence of lees)
• Student Flash Talks
• Early Career Member Lunch
• Supplier Displays
• Washington Regional Wine Reception

The ASEV National Conference will take place on June 26-29 in Bellevue, Washington.

Visit www.asev.org for more information.